Creative Thresholds

by Eleanor Adair

I’ve always been interested in how self-consciousness alters our identity, so my art naturally becomes a way of exploring the different ways we define ourselves through others. I’m heavily drawn towards figurative art, and find the human form the best place to look at the extremities and disruptions that push us beyond the predictable and make the body talk. I tend to be an instinctive painter, so that I work in the moment rather than from plans. I think this means the art is less censored, less concerned, even if it’s more chaotic or absurd. With figurative art, the artist plays a role in filling up space that challenges the contained, precise and predictable forms we’re so often presented with. Once eyes start moving outside of those shapes they become exciting again. The bodies that materialise in my own work are an alternative account of the routine human form; bodies for eyes that like to wander.

Line Dance, oil on canvas 60x75cm

Line Dance 2, oil on canvas 60x75cm

Line Dance 3, ink on paper 20x30cm

Lemon, oil on canvas 100x75cm

Lemon 2, oil on canvas 100x75cm

Swans, oil on canvas 100x75cm

Angels, oil on canvas 60x75cm

Floorboard, oil on canvas 50x60cm

Head studies 1,2 & 3, felt pen on paper each 20x30cm

Yellow Evolving, pen on paper 30x40cm

Yellow Evolving 2, pen on paper 30x40cm

On Pink, pen on paper, each 20x30cm

Bluemen, pen on paper 30cmx40cm

Blueman 2, pen on paper 30x40cm

Eleanor Adair was born and grew up in Glasgow, Scotland. She has exhibited internationally including London, Paris, Edinburgh and in the US. She has no formal art training and currently lives and works in Edinburgh, Scotland.